Brightness Control Panels

[paulj]

Hi Guys,

Been doing a bit of MIP construction this weekend and I'm wondering what most people do with the wiring of the light panels.
Do most people just create dummy switches for things like AFDS floodlights,Main Panel lights,Background lights etc or are they actually wiring up dimmers etc?
If so,how are you handling things like outboard/inboard du's ?
Don't think FSUIPC models these sort of things do they?

cheers

Paul

[Michael Carter]

Not sure, but FDS just released a dimmer switch for use on the panels. It's a USB device, but I'm unsure how it controls the lights. Probably through PM like nearly everything else on the market.

[Bob Reed]

Not sure on this.... But I do not think PM does dimming (other then there panels) either! It must be done with a FS offset. Will have to look to see if there is one.

[brianwilliamson]

Paul, if you are talking about backlighting and also overhead lighting, I use leds, white hi-power ones at usually 3.5 to 4.0 volts with a regulated power supply and a variable pot. in parallel with the voltage regulator pot that sets the original 3.5 or 4.0 volts.
Brian W.

[dnoize]

Not sure on this.... But I do not think PM does dimming (other then there panels) either! It must be done with a FS offset. Will have to look to see if there is one.

Thats correct, you can use PM for dimming the screens (which looks absolutely cool when interfaced to a knob on the lower subpanels),

But you CANT use PM to control the brightness of your panels. For this you will need some kind of electronics board.

you can find circuit designs for this on the net. You will need a controller if you try to dimm a considerable amount of led's.

We have one too, enabling to control brightnes of the leds in 3 diffferent sections. Thus enabling the control brightnes of captains side, F/O side and glare flood independently of eachoterh.

[paulj]

Thanks for that.
It now gives me some ideas to work on.
Better than just having dummy switches.

Paul

[brianwilliamson]

This is the best place for you get the regulator I was suggesting. Use the potentiometer which supplied with the kit to vary the voltage you need for leds and use 2 wires to an external 500 ohm pot. to vary the intensity of your leds.
http://www.dse.com.au/cgi-bin/dse.storefront/462ba7860012de902741c0a87f9c0714/Product/View/K3592
Regards...............Brian W.

[paulj]

Thanks Brian,
I'll get down to dse on Wednesday and pick one up.

cheers
Paul

[Trevor Hale]

I use 120V White Christmas lights for my panel back lighting, I have them connected to a dimmer in the overhead. However the dimmer will eventially be connected through a relay to the Battery switches, so that they will not work unless the Batteries are on.

[Westozy's missus]

I use 120V White Christmas lights for my panel back lighting, I have them connected to a dimmer in the overhead. However the dimmer will eventially be connected through a relay to the Battery switches, so that they will not work unless the Batteries are on.

Hi guys - sorry but when it comes to lighting I know my stuff - a few candles and a bottle of wine goes a long way to making the trip memorable, if that helps any?

[paulj]

Hi guys - sorry but when it comes to lighting I know my stuff - a few candles and a bottle of wine goes a long way to making the trip memorable, if that helps any?
Great... At last someone who knows what they are talking about....
White or Red?

Paul

[Westozy's missus]

Oh my preference is chardy....but each to their own:p

[paulj]

Chardy's good...........now where did I put those candles..........